Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Among the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/#comments Krillbite Studio's first-person baby simulator/horror game Among the Sleep has completed its 30-day Kickstarter campaign, raising a grand total of $248,358 from 8,110 backers - nearly $50,000 more than the $200,000 fundraising goal originally set.

All that extra cash will be put towards buying ice cream, Oculus Rift compatibility and a developer commentary track, though the campaign's bonus earnings didn't extend far enough for the "supersecret free DLC" stretch goal to be funded. Among the Sleep is expected to launch on PC, OSX and Linux during the fourth quarter of this year, but intrigued folks can go ahead and check out the game's public alpha.

JoystiqAmong the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkickstarterkrillbite-studiolinuxmacpcsuccessSat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Swapper switches it up on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/#comments

The Swapper - the Indie Fund-ed, clay model-animated, puzzle platformer put together by a few Finnish university students - has been set to hit Steam on May 30. The game has a lone space explorer wandering an alien cave, with a "weapon" that allows him to create clones of himself to solve puzzles and move around.

Facepalm has released a brand new trailer showing that gameplay and the title's excellent graphics, which were created by animating photos of actual clay. The initial release will be for PC, with Mac and Linux coming later, and "maybe something else" after that.

JoystiqThe Swapper switches it up on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facepalmfacepalm-gameslinuxmacmay-30pcreleaserelease-datesteamthe-swapperThu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fotonica lands a $1 sale for six days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/#comments

Fotonica comes from Italian development house Santa Ragione, which makes sense considering how positively vogue the game is. It's a one-button, first-person runner in duotone with a smooth, blippy soundtrack - and right now it's all just $1. Fotonica is 80 percent off direct from Santa Ragione's site (using that handy Humble Store widget), now and for six more days.

Fotonica supports PC, Mac and Linux, and it's available through Desura, Indievania, OnLive and the Mac App Store, though that $1 deal is via Santa Ragione only. The developers would like to see Fotonica on Steam and are making a leap with Greenlight - if it gets voted in, Santa Ragione will create new levels, modes and music for all Fotonica players.

JoystiqFotonica lands a $1 sale for six days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fotonicahumble-storeIndieLinuxmacpcsalesanta-ragioneWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Among The Sleep clears Kickstarter goal with three days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/among-the-sleep-clears-kickstarter-goal-with-three-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/among-the-sleep-clears-kickstarter-goal-with-three-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/among-the-sleep-clears-kickstarter-goal-with-three-days-to-go/#commentsAmong The Sleep clears Kickstarter goal Psychological horror Among the Sleep achieved its $200,000 Kickstarter goal this morning. That means the happy, innocent-looking faces of Krillbite Studio can endeavor to provide us with nightmares when the game hit PC, Mac, Linux, and Oculus Rift in Q4 this year.

While Among the Sleep was already close to its Kickstarter goal, we suspect some of Krillbite's cheer comes from the validation of doing so after releasing the playable alpha yesterday. That's still available for free on the game's Kickstarter page, if you'd like to experience how the game leverages its scares from a two-year-old's perspective. You can also read Richard's thoughts on a demo which made him "love a teddy bear within the span of a half-hour."

Among the Sleep has already cleared its first stretch goal: $200,030 got bought ice creams for each member of the team - which might also explain those happy faces. With three days to go, Krillbite only has two other stretch goals currently listed, with $225K allowing the team to optimize Oculus Rift support, and $230K unlocking in-game commentary.

JoystiqAmong The Sleep clears Kickstarter goal with three days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkickstarterkrillbite-studiolinuxmacoculus-riiftoculusriftpcWed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekly deals: Hitman: Absolution, Hydrophobia, Anodyne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/steam-weekly-deals-hitman-absolution-hydrophobia-anodyne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/steam-weekly-deals-hitman-absolution-hydrophobia-anodyne/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/steam-weekly-deals-hitman-absolution-hydrophobia-anodyne/#commentsSteam weekly deals Hitman Absolution, Hydrophobia, more This week on Steam, Agent 47 takes more than a few lives - he knocks 50 percent off the price of Hitman: Absolution, bringing it down to $12.50. Also on sale for up to 75 percent off on Steam is the moody, 16-bit adventure Anodyne, Dark Energy Digital's Hydrophobia: Prophecy, 2002 strategy game Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood, adventure game The Book of Unwritten Tales, Postal 2 Complete (again) and puzzler Critical Mass.

The sale ends on May 20 at 10 a.m. PT, even though Valve's weekly news post still says "May 6th." Shh - nobody tell Valve and let's see how long before someone on the team notices.

JoystiqSteam weekly deals: Hitman: Absolution, Hydrophobia, Anodyne originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anodynecritical-masshitman-absolutionhydrophobia-prophecyLinuxmacpcpostal-2-completerobin-hood-the-legend-of-sherwoodsaleSTEAMthe-book-of-unwritten-talesMon, 13 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Among the Sleep free public alpha coming tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/among-the-sleep-free-public-alpha-coming-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/among-the-sleep-free-public-alpha-coming-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/among-the-sleep-free-public-alpha-coming-tomorrow/#comments Everyone can freak out at Among the Sleep as of tomorrow, when developer Krillbite releases an alpha build of the indie horror game for free. Krillbite told Polygon it's delivering the free version via its Kickstarter page, freely available for all.

Among the Sleep places you in the eyes of a two-year-old, and significantly at the eye level of a two-year-old, experiencing the daunting scale of the world around you. If it's funded on Kickstarter - with five days to go it's at around $180,000 of its $200,000 goal - it'll chill the spines of PC, Mac, Linux, and Oculus Rift (see for yourself) in Q4 this year,

JoystiqAmong the Sleep free public alpha coming tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkickstarterkrillbite-studiolinuxmacoculus-riftpcMon, 13 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Road Redemption hits Kickstarter target with 48 hours to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/road-redemption-hits-kickstarter-target-with-48-hours-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/road-redemption-hits-kickstarter-target-with-48-hours-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/road-redemption-hits-kickstarter-target-with-48-hours-to-go/#comments Road Redemption, which looks to be the spiritual successor to the Road Rash series, revved past its Kickstarter goal of $160,000 this morning, with 48 hours left in the tank. Just under 3,700 backers helped the fundraiser achieve its target. The mix of bikes and beatdowns is due to wheelie onto PC, Mac, and Linux in August 2014. and Wii U a few months after.

With two days still to go, developer DarkSeas Games now turns it eyes further down the road, with stretch goals of an XBLA port and Oculus Rift support on the horizon; $178K kicks XBLA into gear, $198K punches up Oculus.

JoystiqRoad Redemption hits Kickstarter target with 48 hours to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darkseas-gameskickstarterlinuxmacnintendopcroad-redemptionwii-uFri, 10 May 2013 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip games 25-to-75% off on Steam until May 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/#comments Nearly everything in Gaijin Games' esteemed Bit.Trip series has been marked down on Steam, from now until Monday, May 20.

For instance: Bit.Trip Collection, which includes Bit.Trip Beat, Bit.Trip Runner, Bit.Trip Core and Bit.Trip Void, has had its price cut by 75% and is now just $11.98. Likewise, all of those games can be purchased individually at a discounted price of $2.49. Even last year's gorgeous Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien has had its price dropped to less than $12 - we recommend gettin' while the gettin's good, as our very southern mom would say.

JoystiqBit.Trip games 25-to-75% off on Steam until May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripbit-trip-beatbit-trip-coreBit-Trip-RunnerBit-Trip-VoidGaijin-Gameslinuxmacpcrunner-2runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-aliensaleSteamThu, 09 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/steam-greenlight-pulls-in-2-million-voters-has-a-chat-with-its/#commentsSteam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies Getting accepted through Steam's community-voting service, Greenlight, is an ongoing, complex project for many indie developers - and for Steam itself. Valve hosted a chat with Greenlight developers this week to discuss concerns, suggestions and propose what Greenlight may look like in the future.

Valve is "actively looking into" releasing the Steamworks API so developers can prepare their games prior to being Greenlit, though it has no timeframe to make that public. Currently all games go to the same Greenlight, but Valve said it would discuss the idea of separating the service by "games that are ready to go" and "games that are in development."

On May 1, Valve Greenlit a mini batch of games, and this system will most likely be the new standard, the team said: "Unfortunately, we have limited resources at the moment, so we cannot ship every game that we want. We're working toward having an open platform that Gabe has talked about, but we're not there yet."

Continue reading Steam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies

JoystiqSteam Greenlight pulls in 2 million voters, has a chat with its indies originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdsourcinggreenlightIndieLinuxmacpcSTEAMsteam-greenlightvalveThu, 09 May 2013 20:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/#comments
Andrew Augustin successfully funded Super Ubi Land through Kickstarter last month, his upcoming 2D platformer for PC and Mac about a little alien called Ubi who crashes on Earth and must find his way home. Ubisoft is none too pleased with the game's title, apparently, and has asked for it to be changed, Augustin confirmed through his studio Notion Games' Twitter account.

"Been exchanging emails with Ubisoft. Unfortunately, we have to change the title of #SuperUbiLand. Stay tuned," the initial tweet read. Notion Games doesn't seem to be too upset over the disagreement, however, and isn't even fighting the claim, a follow-up tweet explained. "Ubisoft is not doing anything wrong. They're protecting their business just like any small business would." Finally, a third tweet hammers it home that Ubisoft is just "being fair" in trying to protect its brand in the eyes of Notion Games.

Super Ubi Land still has some time left in the oven and is slated to launch this year on PC and Mac. A demo is currently available for all Windows, Mac and Linux users, which you can download over on Notion Games' website right here.

JoystiqUbisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacnotion-gamespcsuper-ubi-landubisoftThu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ray's the Dead partially resurrects Stubbs the Zombie on Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rays-the-dead-partially-resurrects-stubbs-the-zombie-on-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rays-the-dead-partially-resurrects-stubbs-the-zombie-on-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rays-the-dead-partially-resurrects-stubbs-the-zombie-on-kicksta/#comments

Ray's the Dead is more than an action zombie puzzler - it's a feat of electrical engineering. As a twice-removed successor to Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel without a Pulse, Ray's the Dead offers 1980s undead-centric gameplay inspired by Pikmin and, most adorably, a main character with a glowing lightbulb on top of his head. Yes, his name is Ray.

Ragtag Studio - composed of former Wideload, Disney and Ensemble Studios developers, including one who worked on Stubbs the Zombie - needs $75,000 from Kickstarter backers to add audio effects, music and quality writing to the game. They want to hire out these positions to Jake Kaufman (Double Dragon, Shovel Knight, DuckTales soundtracks), Ben Crossbones (Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Organ Trail sound design), Matt and Ed (Twisted Pixel writers) and a larger curated team.

Ragtag can finish the game without the Kickstarter funds, but that would result in a pared-down version of Ray's the Dead, Ragtag co-founder Chris Cobb tells Joystiq.

"With many Kickstarters, they promise additional features that can potentially lengthen the development cycle of the game," Cobb says. "With ours, we have specifically tailored the Kickstarter campaign to help us add features that do not affect the development cycle in a negative way, and in many ways will make it more likely that we can make our target release date. We planned out the scope of the game itself a while ago, and didn't feel it would be wise to add or remove gameplay features, levels, characters, etc., based on the failure or success of our campaign.

"We haven't had any funding, but we can continue working on the game for a good long while as we are all being supported by our wives right now. Without funding, anything we can do ourselves will be done, but things outside of our skill set will have to fall to the wayside. And none of us are musicians or writers."

Continue reading Ray's the Dead partially resurrects Stubbs the Zombie on Kickstarter

JoystiqRay's the Dead partially resurrects Stubbs the Zombie on Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarterLinuxmacpcragtag-studiorays-the-deadstubbs-the-zombieTue, 07 May 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Chasm hits $150,000 Kickstarter goal with five days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chasm-hits-150-000-kickstarter-goal-with-five-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chasm-hits-150-000-kickstarter-goal-with-five-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chasm-hits-150-000-kickstarter-goal-with-five-days-to-go/#comments 2D action-RPG Chasm traversed the void between it and Kickstarter funding this morning, reaching its $150,000 goal with five days to spare. With the game funded and set to arrive in May 2014, developer Discord Games turns its attention towards stretch goals, with an extended digital double album at $160K and achievements at $175K looking realistic.

Discord says Chasm takes its inspirations from Metroid, Castlevania, Zelda, and Diablo, while our JC Fletcher said the demo played "like a mashup of Symphony of the Night and Wanderers from Ys." At the moment Chasm is only confirmed for Windows, Mac, and Linux, but on a recent MANvsGAME stream Discord's James Petruzzi said his studio's speaking to companies, including Sony, about potential other platforms. However, Discord isn't likely to reveal anything before the Kickstarter campaign ends.

JoystiqChasm hits $150,000 Kickstarter goal with five days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chasmdiscord-gameskickstarterlinuxmacpcMon, 06 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 Linux beta is live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/left-4-dead-2-linux-beta-is-live/#commentsLeft 4 Dead 2 Linux beta now live Valve has announced a beta build of Left 4 Dead 2 for Linux is now live. Left 4 Dead 2 owners should see a special beta version of the game in their Steam library; if not, a client reboot is required.

The Linux beta offers access to the Extended Mutation System, authoring tools and dedicated servers - on par with what's been available to PC and Mac versions of the title. This latest beta build also offers updates for Windows and Mac users, plus cross-play between all three platforms.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 Linux beta is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaL4D2Left-4-Dead-2left-4-dead-2-betalinuxsteamsteam-for-linuxsteam-linuxvalveSat, 04 May 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbound earns over $1 million; extra race, fossils and pets a go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/starbound-earns-over-1-million-extra-race-fossils-and-pets-a/#commentsStarbound reaches $1 million in preorders, secures extra race, fossils, pets Starbound, a sandbox exploration game with randomly generated worlds, is coming from developer Chucklefish, who has been raising money through its pre-order page (take that, Kickstarter!) for some time. Today, Starbound has received over $1 million from crowd-funding, securing all stretch goal extras for the game.

Upon reaching $500,000, Chucklefish promised a new playable race called the Novakids - nomads comprised of gases who have no planet to call home. At $750,000, fossils were introduced: rare and valuable materials players can unearth using special tools. Finally the $1 million threshold promised starter pets, which are companions that can't fight or be controlled - unlike the alien creatures you actually can capture and force to fight - but they love you unconditionally and that's the important thing.

There isn't an exact date for Starbound's launch, though the game is due sometime this year on Windows PC, Mac, Linux and Ouya.

JoystiqStarbound earns over $1 million; extra race, fossils and pets a go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chucklefishlinuxmacouyapcstarboundThu, 02 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dream Fishing will make your day better]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dream-fishing-will-make-your-day-better/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dream-fishing-will-make-your-day-better/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/dream-fishing-will-make-your-day-better/#commentsDream Fishing will immediately make your day better Dream Fishing is a first-person fishing game built in Unity. It runs in browser or as a client on PCs, Macs and Linux machines, and was built by Sophie Houlden over the course of 48 hours for the most recent Ludum Dare. In unspecific terms, Dream Fishing is the gaming equivalent of a warm mug of chai tea, or a blanket fresh from the dryer.

Players navigate a glowing, peaceful pond in first person, catching helpful fish that dispense homespun wisdom and non sequiturs as quaint piano sounds punctuate their footsteps. Just, don't listen to the grey-and-black fish. He isn't as helpful or as uplifting as the rest of them.

A time lapse video of Houlden's 48-hour creative process, including crucial Azumanga Daioh breaks, has been tucked away after the jump.

Continue reading Dream Fishing will make your day better

JoystiqDream Fishing will make your day better originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dream-fishingindielinuxludum-daremacpcSophie-HouldenWed, 01 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Defense Grid 2 development under way, coming first half of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/defense-grid-2-development-under-way-coming-first-half-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/defense-grid-2-development-under-way-coming-first-half-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/defense-grid-2-development-under-way-coming-first-half-of-2014/#comments
Hidden Path Entertainment has announced development of Defense Grid 2 is currently underway, with a targeted launch on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux in the first half of 2014.

When the Defense Grid 2 Kickstarter campaign launched, the team at Hidden Path Entertainment didn't know exactly if they'd be able to produce a sequel. The campaign had a goal of $250,000, which was met, but the team was really looking for $1 million to fund a full sequel. Hidden Path fell short of that goal but thanks to an angel investor, the sequel is now under way.

The $250,000 goal of the Defense Grid 2 Kickstarter campaign was to fund Defense Grid: Containment, an expansion pack to the original Defense Grid: The Awakening. Hidden Path shipped the expansion earlier this year, which caught the eye of the unknown investor who secured funding for Defense Grid 2.

"You guys supported us, an investor saw your support, saw us make promises to you, saw us keep those promises to you and, after Containment shipped, they decided to partner with us and invest in Defense Grid 2 so that we have enough money to make the game," CEO Jeff Pobst says. COO Jim Garbarini added that Defense Grid 2 is "fully funded and moving forward." Kickstarter backers will receive a free copy of Defense Grid 2 when it ships, the duo confirmed.

Defense Grid: The Awakening is a tower-defense game that made its debut in 2008 on the PC and was ported to the Xbox 360 the following year. In the game, players must defend military bases from waves of encroaching alien enemies through strategic placement of defense towers.

JoystiqDefense Grid 2 development under way, coming first half of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defense-grid-2hidden-pathhidden-path-entertainmentkickstarterlinuxmacpcThu, 25 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers clone dev shoots back at Vlambeer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/#comments Dev accused of cloning Luftrausers says Vlambeer copied its titlesRubiqLab, the developer accused of cloning Vlambeer's upcoming 2D dogfighter Luftrausers, has taken to Facebook to assert that Vlambeer's game isn't an original concept.

The Game luftrauser is cloned by ( SKYSTRIKE , JETSTRIKE & many more ) And your game also came under pixel art. Earlier games likes SkyStricks & Jetstrike also were in pixel art. SO WHAT DO YOU SAY IS THAT REALLY YOUR OWN IDEA ? We dont think so.

The clone in question, SkyFar, shares certain mechanics and a visual style with Vlambeer's game, painting the world in a blue hue versus Luftrausers red color scheme.

Joystiq has contacted RubiqLab for further comment on its stance, and will update this post if the developer responds.

Luftrausers is the second game of Vlambeer's to be cloned. The first is the notorious case of Radical Fishing (Ridiculous Fishing on iOS), where Vlambeer's browser-based fishing game was beaten to iOS. Luftrausers is slated to launch this spring on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3 and PS Vita.

JoystiqLuftrausers clone dev shoots back at Vlambeer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloneiosipadiphonelinuxluftrausersmacmobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rubiqlabskyfarvitavlambeerThu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded aims for May 31 launch in NA, June in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leisure-suit-larry-reloaded-aims-for-may-31-launch-in-na-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leisure-suit-larry-reloaded-aims-for-may-31-launch-in-na-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leisure-suit-larry-reloaded-aims-for-may-31-launch-in-na-june/#comments Leisure Suit Larry Reloaded due out in June in Europe, May 31 in NALeisure Suit Larry: Reloaded needs to work out the kinks in its pick-up lines, but the game should be out by May 31 in North America, Replay Games CEO Paul Trowe told Shacknews.

"We should be in beta this week," Trowe said. "We need to get all the bugs and game freezes out of the way, and maybe do pick-up lines with the actors that may have been missed. We'll get the game to about 7,500 of our Kickstarter backers for the beta test, and they'll also be testing foreign language versions as well."

The beta should run about two weeks, Trowe said, and when it launches, Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded will be $20 for PC, Mac and Linux. During GDC, Trowe told us he hoped to see Reloaded out between May 15 - 30. The game is scheduled to hit Europe in June for £15.

Continue reading Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded aims for May 31 launch in NA, June in EU

JoystiqLeisure Suit Larry: Reloaded aims for May 31 launch in NA, June in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsleisure-suit-larry-reloadedLinuxmacpcrelease-dateReplay-GamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Anna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/anna-extended-edition-improves-ui-horror-based-on-player-feed/#comments

When Anna launched late last year, it freaked us right out. It's an adventure game soaked with subtle, horrifying moments and disturbing imagery overlaid on a gorgeous Italian countryside - though not everyone agreed with this positive assessment. It was knocked for being too short, too esoteric, not structured enough. Anna - Extended Edition promises to address these criticisms, based on "the feedback of the thousands of players of the original Anna." The extended edition is available now, in boxed and digital form in the UK, and digitally in the US via Steam, for PC, Mac and Linux.

Anna - Extended Edition includes new environments, puzzles, user interface and music, improved graphics, and a new character, "The Wife Doll," who has her own AI. The user interface was one con we noted during our time with Anna, though we still found the entire experience to be an outright creep-fest. Enjoy your Wife Doll, everyone - we'll be over here, cowering in the corner.

Continue reading Anna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback

JoystiqAnna - Extended Edition improves UI, horror based on player feedback originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annaanna-extended-editionDreampaintersextended-editionLinuxmacpcSTEAMukTue, 16 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/cyberpunk-roguelike-real-time-strategy-game-c-wars-hits-kickstar/#comments
Chinese indie developer Onipunks Studio kicked off its Kickstarter campaign for C-Wars last week. C-Wars is a roguelike real-time strategy and tower defense-styled game that is currently in its alpha stage of development. The game has players investigating infected areas of a post-apocalyptic world, taking on enemies in Mega Man Battle Network-style RTS combat along the way. The game's site notes that battles are much faster paced with non-stop action being a focal point, as seen in the developer's Kickstarter video above.

Onipunks is offering a free demo of the alpha build of the game on its website. C-Wars is currently sitting at $19,943 in funding, and is seeking $32,000 by May 11 to complete its Kickstarter campaign. The game is coming to PC, Mac, Linux and Android tablets in fall 2013, with the developer considering Wii U and 3DS support, providing enough money is pledged to make that happen.

JoystiqCyberpunk roguelike real-time strategy game C-Wars hits Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidc-warskickstarterLinuxmacmega-man-battle-networkmobileonipunksonipunks-studiopcroguelikertstower-defenseSun, 14 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun Returns' non-Kickstarter reward DLC to require Steam, DRM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/shadowrun-returns-non-kickstarter-reward-dlc-to-require-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/shadowrun-returns-non-kickstarter-reward-dlc-to-require-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/shadowrun-returns-non-kickstarter-reward-dlc-to-require-steam/#comments Shadowrun Returns' postBerlin Campaign DLC to require Steam, DRMDuring last year's Kickstarter campaign for Shadownrun Returns, developer Harebrained Schemes was dutiful in noting that every pledge level included a DRM-free version of the game. While that technically remains true, Harebrained Schemes has recently announced a slight caveat: All post-Berlin Campaign DLC will have DRM, and will require Steam.

It shakes out like this: Backers will receive both a DRM-free version and the Steam version of Shadowrun Returns (which does have DRM) when the game launches in June. Additionally, anyone who pledged enough to receive the game's Berlin Campaign DLC will also be given permanent access to both versions. After that, however, all DLC will be distributed exclusively through Steam, DRM in tow.

"The reason is that our license to develop Shadowrun Returns actually requires that the game and its DLC be distributed under DRM," a Kickstarter update on the situation reads. "This didn't come up earlier because the situation was complicated by the number of parties involved in the license and because the process was 'ongoing.'"

"Ultimately," it continues, "we were able to successfully negotiate an exception with Microsoft for us to provide our Backers with a DRM-free version of the Kickstarter rewards (specifically the game and the Berlin Campaign) but that exception does not extend to non-reward DLC. So unfortunately, we cannot sell or give away DRM-free versions of the game or DLC on stores like GoG, and that's why any future Shadowrun Returns DLC will only be available for purchase on Steam."

A table posted by Harebrained Schemes, illustrating the specific differences between the Steam and DRM-free versions of the game, has been embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Travis!]

Continue reading Shadowrun Returns' non-Kickstarter reward DLC to require Steam, DRM

JoystiqShadowrun Returns' non-Kickstarter reward DLC to require Steam, DRM originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCDRMDRM-freeHarebrained-SchemesKickstarterlinuxmacpcshadowrun-returnsSteamSat, 13 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chasm brings 'Metroidvania' action to Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/chasm-brings-metroidvania-action-to-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/chasm-brings-metroidvania-action-to-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/chasm-brings-metroidvania-action-to-kickstarter/#comments
Discord Games recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring its upcoming 2D "Metroidvania-styled" game Chasm to Windows, Mac and Linux. The developer plans to take its inspiration from games such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and The Legend of Zelda series to new heights by building procedurally-generated dungeons in six different areas into the game.

In Chasm, players will control a soldier that enters a mining town coping with a reawakened ancient evil force. Along the way, players will equip weapons and spellbooks, as well as learn new abilities to reach previously-inaccessible areas. The game will include both normal and hardcore difficulty modes, as well as leaderboards that track stats such as quickest times and damage taken.

Discord Games is seeking $150,000 in funding by May 12 to make Chasm a reality. The developer is already offering playable demo to fans, which is available to download through its Kickstarter page. The game is also on Steam's Greenlight service, awaiting fan approval to make it to the platform.

JoystiqChasm brings 'Metroidvania' action to Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chasmdiscord-gamesgreenlightkickstarterLinuxmacmetroidvaniapcSTEAMSat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Road Redemption, a Road Rash spiritual successor on Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/road-redemption-a-road-rash-spiritual-successor-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/road-redemption-a-road-rash-spiritual-successor-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/road-redemption-a-road-rash-spiritual-successor-on-kickstarter/#comments
DarkSeas Games is looking to finance a spiritual successor to Road Rash through Kickstarter. Road Redemption is a Unity-based game for PC, Mac OSX and Linux featuring a single-player story revolving around biker gangs and drug distribution routes and online multiplayer. As you can see in the announcement video above, the Road Rash influence is palpable.

Melee weapons, firearms and explosives will all be tools of the trade for bikers, with a counter and parry system at the heart of combat. Bikers can also kick other bikers into oncoming traffic because bikers are violent maniacs.

Gameplay is being "geared toward experienced players," the Kickstarter page says. The developers explain the systems will feel more satisfying because of the difficulty. A few months after launch, should the Kickstarter drive yield success, DarkSeas Games will release the source code, art assets and project files to the public for modding.

It's important to note that none of the individuals involved with Road Redemption actually worked on the Road Rash series, odd considering co-designer Dan Geisler's statements on Reddit last month. When asked, "Why hasn't this game resurfaced?," Geisler responded that he wasn't ready, but is now and may even seek funding through Kickstarter. Awkward.

Road Redemption is looking for $160,000 over the next 29 days. As of right now, the campaign has pulled in around $8,000.

[Thanks, Derek]

JoystiqRoad Redemption, a Road Rash spiritual successor on Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darkseas-gameslinuxmacpcroad-rashroad-redemptionFri, 12 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Weekly Sale shakes it up with Blendo Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/humble-weekly-sale-shakes-it-up-with-blendo-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/humble-weekly-sale-shakes-it-up-with-blendo-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/humble-weekly-sale-shakes-it-up-with-blendo-games/#comments

The Humble Weekly Sale has a quartet of titles from Blendo Games, featuring IGF nominees Thirty Flights of Loving, Flotilla and Atom Zombie Smasher, and educational children's game Air Forte. Pay more than $1 to get Flotilla, Atom Zombie Smasher and Air Forte, or pay above the average asking price (currently around $4) to add Thirty Flights of Loving to that list.

Buying a bundle includes the soundtracks for Atom Zombie Smasher, Air Forte and Thirty Flights of Loving, as long as the appropriate price is hit. The purchase price is divvied up among charity, the Humble Bundle or the developer, as with all Humble purchases. These Blendo Games games (games) will be available on the Humble Store for six more days, so go mix it up while you still can.

JoystiqHumble Weekly Sale shakes it up with Blendo Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-forteatom-zombie-smasherblendo-gamesflotillahumble-bundlehumble-indie-bundlehumble-weekly-saleLinuxmacpcthirty-flights-of-lovingTue, 09 Apr 2013 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-adventures-of-dash-misses-kickstarter-goal/#comments The Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goalAfter 30-days of fundraising on Kickstarter, Robotoki's platforming project The Adventures of Dash fell short of its $400,000 goal, earning a total of $33,121 from 496 backers over the course of the campaign.

"We know were not alone now in wanting to see this game come to life," the campaign's final update reads, "and while we're not entirely sure how we're going to make that happen right now, we are going to do everything we can to keep the game alive." The update goes on to say that The Adventures of Dash will have to be placed "on the back burner for now" so Robotoki can focus on its main project, Human Element.

The Adventures of Dash, a 2D side-scrolling platformer about a boy with narcolepsy, was originally planned for a November launch on consoles, iOS, Android PC, Mac, Linux and Ouya. The game would have changed both stylistically and mechanically based on whether Dash was awake or involuntarily asleep, as seen in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Adventures of Dash

JoystiqThe Adventures of Dash misses Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneKickstarterlinuxmicrosoftmobileouyaplaystationps3Robotokithe-adventures-of-dashxboxSat, 06 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Torment Kickstarter closes at over $4.1 million, most-funded game in Kickstarter history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/torment-kickstarter-closes-at-over-4-1-million-most-funded-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/torment-kickstarter-closes-at-over-4-1-million-most-funded-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/torment-kickstarter-closes-at-over-4-1-million-most-funded-gam/#comments Torment Kickstarter closes at $41 million, mostfunded game in Kickstarter historyThe Kickstarter fundraising campaign for Torment: Tides of Numenera has come to a close, raising $4,188,927 over the course of its 30 days on the crowdfunding site, more than 465% of its original $900,000 goal. This makes Torment the most-funded gaming software ever on Kickstarter, as well as the second-most funded gaming project in general, bested only by the $8.59 million raised to get Ouya off the ground.

Torment's Kickstarter has been a runaway success since it began on March 6, earning the totality of its original $900,000 goal in less than 24 hours. Since then, developer inXile Entertainment has added Planescape: Torment lead designer Chris Avellone to the project, in addition to delaying the game past its original December 2014 release window and into 2015.

JoystiqTorment Kickstarter closes at over $4.1 million, most-funded game in Kickstarter history originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InXile-EntertainmentKickstarterlinuxmacmost-fundedpcrecordstorment-tides-of-numeneraFri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Torment: Tides of Numenera gets its first screenshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/torment-tides-of-numenera-gets-its-first-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/torment-tides-of-numenera-gets-its-first-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/torment-tides-of-numenera-gets-its-first-screenshot/#comments Torment Tides of Numenera gets its first screenshotThis is your first screenshot of Torment: Tides of Numenera, the Planescape: Torment-inspired RPG which is already up to $3.2 million in Kickstarter funding with four days left to go. What you're looking at, project lead Kevin Saunders tells us, is an environment called The Bloom, which also happens to very much be a living creature. Yes, it's both a bustling commercial hub and a "semi-sentient predator" - sounds like Manhattan to us.

The Torment Kickstarter washed past its $900,000 goal, amassing $1 million in just 8 hours. The campaign for the PC, Mac, and Linux game has broken more than a few stretch goals since then, unlocking everything from new areas, character companions, and novellas to developer inXile bringing in a live orchestra for the music. The traditional late Kickstarter surge should see the fundraiser past the $3.5 million stretch goal, at which point Obsidian's Chris Avellone, who was the lead designer of Planescape: Torment, will join Torment's design team.

Click here for a larger look at Torment's first screenshot.

JoystiqTorment: Tides of Numenera gets its first screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-avelloneinxileinxile-entertainmentkickstarterlinuxmacpctormenttorment-tides-of-numeneraMon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly 2 preview: Tug o' war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/anomaly-2-preview-tug-o-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/anomaly-2-preview-tug-o-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/anomaly-2-preview-tug-o-war/#comments Anomaly 2 presents multiplayer for the first time in the series, pitting human-attacking convoys against stationary alien emplacements. The deciding factor in victory is points - the alien side must defend its generators and build harvesters to mine points away from the human side, while the humans aim to simply destroy every alien present.

It's a frantic tug of war as each side desperately scans the battlefield for vulnerability in the others' ranks. As the humans, ignoring harvesters, purchasing the wrong units or failing to sell and swap out units at integral times will easily spell death. The aliens have an arguably tougher job and lack the resources to build up defenses across the entire map, so it's more about predicting where the humans will go and taking care to build harvesters at the right time.

Gallery: Anomaly 2

Continue reading Anomaly 2 preview: Tug o' war

JoystiqAnomaly 2 preview: Tug o' war originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11bit-studiosanomaly-2gdc-2013linuxmacpcSat, 30 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition coming to Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/knights-of-pen-and-paper-1-edition-coming-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/knights-of-pen-and-paper-1-edition-coming-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/knights-of-pen-and-paper-1-edition-coming-to-steam/#comments
Behold Studios' darling mobile meta-RPG Knights of Pen and Paper - where you control a dungeon master and players in a heated session as they embark on traditional roleplaying quests - is getting an upgrade. Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition is set to launch on Steam for PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android platforms in the early summer, published by Paradox Interactive.

Knights of Pen and Paper +1 includes the original mobile hit, replete with new dungeons, monsters and loot. Behold Studios has also added a tavern to switch out characters, so players no longer need to start a new game when they unlock a new character type, an issue in the current version of the mobile game.

Gallery: Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition

JoystiqKnights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition coming to Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbehold-studiosiosipadiphoneknights-of-pen-and-paperknights-of-pen-and-paper-+1-editionknights-of-pen-and-paper-plus-one-editionlinuxmacmobileparadox-interactivepcsteamTue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gone Home sets the stage with two original Riot Grrrl bands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/gone-home-sets-the-stage-with-two-original-riot-grrrl-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/gone-home-sets-the-stage-with-two-original-riot-grrrl-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/gone-home-sets-the-stage-with-two-original-riot-grrrl-bands/#comments

Gone Home uses an atmospheric, introspective exploration game to tackle one of the most mysterious, emotional and twisted phenomena of human existence - being a teenage girl in the 90s. Trust us, it's terrible.

Regardless of gender or decade, one thing that alleviates the confusion of adolescence for millions of teenagers worldwide is music. For Gone Home's narrative, a teenage girl discovering herself in the 90s Pacific Northwest, this means Riot Grrrl. Riot Grrrl is a feminist punk movement that hit Washington and Oregon beginning in 1991, which spawned an influx of new bands and written publications focused on female empowerment.

Developer The Fullbright Company - formed by three ex-BioShock developers - snagged two original Riot Grrrl bands, Bratmobile and Heavens to Betsy, for Gone Home. It's an important get for Fullbright co-founder Steve Gaynor.

"It's really goddamn amazing to have the opportunity for this music to be in Gone Home," he says. "Authenticity is our No. 1 priority, and the inclusion of tracks by Heavens to Betsy and Bratmobile really drives home the era and the place and the feelings surrounding the story of Gone Home. We're psyched."

Gallery: Gone Home

Continue reading Gone Home sets the stage with two original Riot Grrrl bands

JoystiqGone Home sets the stage with two original Riot Grrrl bands originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>90sadolescencebratmobilecoming-of-agegone-homeheavens-to-betsyLinuxmacpcriot-grrrlThe-Fullbright-CompanyWed, 20 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls pencils in Linux port, Squigly to be voiced by Lauren Landa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/skullgirls-pencils-in-linux-port-squigly-to-be-voiced-by-lauren/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/skullgirls-pencils-in-linux-port-squigly-to-be-voiced-by-lauren/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/skullgirls-pencils-in-linux-port-squigly-to-be-voiced-by-lauren/#comments Mike Zaimont, the creator of the fighting engine powering Skullgirls, has revealed that a Linux port is currently in the works. Word came via Zaimont's Salty Cupcakes tournament series, which he's been hosting on a weekly basis in Los Angeles and streaming through Twitch.

Skullgirls is currently seeking donations through Indiegogo, having already successfully funded the DLC characters Squigly and Big Band. During his weekly stream, Zaimont also revealed that Squigly will be voiced by Lauren Landa, the voice actress perhaps best known for her voice work as Kasumi from Dead or Alive. Squigly's sidekick Leviathan will be voiced by Liam O'Brien, who has belted out lines as Rig in Dead or Alive 5 and himself every other time he says anything.

JoystiqSkullgirls pencils in Linux port, Squigly to be voiced by Lauren Landa originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gameslab-zero-gameslauren-landalinuxmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skullgirlsxboxFri, 15 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Potatoman Seeks the Troof, Pixeljam Octology finds its way to Linux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/potatoman-seeks-the-troof-pixeljam-octology-finds-its-way-to-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/potatoman-seeks-the-troof-pixeljam-octology-finds-its-way-to-li/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/potatoman-seeks-the-troof-pixeljam-octology-finds-its-way-to-li/#comments Potatoman Seeks the Troof, Pixeljam Octology finds its way to LinuxAll of the games in Pixeljam's Octology - Potatoman Seeks the Troof, Bitku Beta, Dino Run SE, Marathon of Doom and Snowball - are now available on Linux, in addition to previous PC and Mac support, for $10. Not to say we're super trendy or anything, but we hear Linux is currently all the rage.

The Octology also includes the albums Platneteri, Pixeljams Vol. 1 and the Potatoman soundtrack. Potatoman Seeks the Troof is a platformer that tells the tale of a spud as he leaves the farm and seeks the meaning of life. No, it doesn't make much more sense once you play it, but it sure does make for a wonderful live-action trailer.

Potatoman is also on Steam Greenlight, if that's more your style. You fashionista.

JoystiqPotatoman Seeks the Troof, Pixeljam Octology finds its way to Linux originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Linuxmacpcpixeljampotatoman-seeks-the-troofWed, 13 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jason Rohrer's The Castle Doctrine burgles with friends, out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/jason-rohrers-the-castle-doctrine-makes-burglary-multiplayer-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/jason-rohrers-the-castle-doctrine-makes-burglary-multiplayer-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/jason-rohrers-the-castle-doctrine-makes-burglary-multiplayer-o/#comments Jason Rohrer's The Castle Doctrine makes burglary multiplayer, out nowThe Castle Doctrine is a massively multiplayer indie game about home defense, burglary and the lengths a desperate man will travel to ensure his family's safety. The Castle Doctrine comes from Jason Rohrer, the developer of Sleep is Death, and it's available now for PC, Mac and Linux as a public alpha for $8, half off its eventual full price.

The game has no DRM, and one purchase includes access to all future updates and a lifetime account on the main game server. The Castle Doctrine is open source: Each purchase comes with PC and Mac builds, and the full source code bundle that can be compiled on Linux. The source code bundle includes the server software, enabling players to establish and run their own servers, should they wish.

Check out The Castle Doctrine (and check out, if you like it) right here.

JoystiqJason Rohrer's The Castle Doctrine burgles with friends, out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Indiejason-rohrerLinuxmacpcthe-castle-doctrineTue, 12 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Spate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-spate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-spate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-spate/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Eric Provan dissects the beauty of rain, hallucinations and mystery with Spate, coming to PC, Mac and Linux in Q3.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch Spate
What's your game called and what's it about?

My game is called Spate. Spate is the journey of one man's descent into madness that is fueled by his addiction to absinthe, following the tragic death of his daughter. He is hired to investigate mysterious disappearances that have been occurring on an island offshore, and figures that he has nothing left to lose. The detective hopes to uncover some of the island's mysteries, but is finding it increasingly difficult to battle his own pain. As his absinthe use increases it becomes harder and harder for him to tell reality from fiction. Soon he finds he is fighting for more than just the missing people - he is fighting against the madness as well.

Out of all the drinks someone can be addicted to, why absinthe?

Truthfully, absinthe began as an excuse for me to make weird stuff. I love abstract art, and needed a logical reason to include it in the game. Today it is mostly debunked, but for hundreds of years it had been thought that absinthe caused hallucinations. This works for the steampunk theme, the gameplay, the story and the visuals.

Gallery: Spate

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Spate

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Spate originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-indie-pitchLinuxmacpcRainspateMon, 11 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Painkiller: Hell and Damnation coming to Mac, Linux this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/painkiller-hell-and-damnation-coming-to-mac-linux-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/painkiller-hell-and-damnation-coming-to-mac-linux-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/painkiller-hell-and-damnation-coming-to-mac-linux-this-spring/#comments Painkiller Hell and Damnation comes to Mac and Linux this spring, along with a PC ModKitNordic Games has announced Mac and Linux releases of Painkiller: Hell and Damnation, the remake of People Can Fly's frantic FPS, along with a mod-kit for the PC version. Nordic says they'll be available sometime this spring, while the game is due out on Xbox and PS3 on April 5.

As for the mod-kit, it'll use UnrealEd and be integrated with Steam Workshop, letting players create items, weapons, multiplayer skins, new maps and games for the Painkiller experience.We can expect the beta for that sometime in April, so mark your calendars for lots of painkillin' around then.

JoystiqPainkiller: Hell and Damnation coming to Mac, Linux this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aprillinuxmacmodkitnordic-gamespainkillerpainkiller-hell-and-damnationpcreleaserelease-datesteamThu, 07 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Torment is Kickstarter's fastest ever to $1M, clears $1.7M in first day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/torment-is-kickstarters-fastest-ever-to-1m-clears-1-7m-in-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/torment-is-kickstarters-fastest-ever-to-1m-clears-1-7m-in-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/torment-is-kickstarters-fastest-ever-to-1m-clears-1-7m-in-fi/#comments The Torment: Tides of Numenera Kickstarter is the fastest ever to reach $1 million, doing so in under 8 hours - Ouya reached the milestone in 8 hours and 22 minutes. Just 24 hours after its launch, the campaign for the Planescape: Torment-inspired RPG has been backed by over 30,000 people and has raised over $1.7 million, nearly doubling its $900,000 goal with 29 days left to go. So yeah, it's not doing too badly.

Developer inXile laid out some early stretch goals yesterday, with two already eclipsed at $1.2 million and $1.5 million. That means players will be able to choose their characters' gender, with "appropriate reactivity" from non-player characters built in, and that writers Murs Lafferty and Tony Evans will join the team. Lafferty was nominated for last year's John W. Campbell award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction or Fantasy, while Evans can boast the likes of BioWare and Obsidian on his CV.

If When the campaign reaches $2 million, which at this rate it'll have done by the time you're reading this, inXile will enlist Monte Cook, the creator of the Numenera tabletop RPG, to add his talents to Torment's writing team. That stretch goal also means inXile brings in a live orchestra as well as further compositions on the musical side of things, and on the gameplay side a fifth player companion described as a "changing ball of goo."

JoystiqTorment is Kickstarter's fastest ever to $1M, clears $1.7M in first day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inxileinxile-entertainmentkickstarterlinuxmacpctorment-tides-of-numeneraThu, 07 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly 2 invades PC, Mac and Linux this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/anomaly-2-invades-pc-mac-and-linux-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/anomaly-2-invades-pc-mac-and-linux-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/anomaly-2-invades-pc-mac-and-linux-this-spring/#comments
11bit Studios has announced a sequel to its popular tower-offense games Anomaly: Warzone Earth and Anomaly: Korea. Anomaly 2 is centered around a morphing mechanic which can turn specific units into battle mechs, each with their own unique attributes. Anomaly 2 also introduces a new multiplayer style: tower offense vs. tower defense.

In multiplayer, one player controls the convoy trying to make it through to its destination, while the other controls the established alien structures littering the map, with the goal being to destroy the convoy. What is it about us that aliens despise so much?

Anomaly 2 is slated to launch between April and June on PC, Mac and Linux for $14.99.

Gallery: Anomaly 2

JoystiqAnomaly 2 invades PC, Mac and Linux this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11bit-studiosanomalyanomaly-2linuxmacpcrelease-dateThu, 28 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon now on Linux, Steam alternatives now also available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/#comments Super Hexagon is now available on Linux, both through Steam and directly from its official website. PC and OSX versions of the game are also now available directly through the site, should you prefer to acquire your games straight from the tap.

Like the recently ported Linux version of VVVVVV, Super Hexagon requires Ubuntu version 12.04 LTS, or "Precise Pangolin" for you codename types, a 2 GHz processor and 32 megs of hard drive space. By bringing the game to Linux, Super Hexagon has successfully made it to "all the platforms that it's ever likely to be on," creator Terry Cavanagh said on his official blog, which means we can probably stop holding out for a Game Boy Advance version.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon now on Linux, Steam alternatives now also available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxsteamsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghubuntuWed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kentucky Route Zero finds a road to Steam, on sale through March 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/kentucky-route-zero-finds-a-road-to-steam-on-sale-through-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/kentucky-route-zero-finds-a-road-to-steam-on-sale-through-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/kentucky-route-zero-finds-a-road-to-steam-on-sale-through-march/#comments Kentucky Route Zero finds a road to Steam, on sale through March 1Kentucky Route Zero, the stylish indie hit from the good people of Cardboard Computer, is now on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux. To celebrate, the game is 10 percent off through March 1, $22.50 for all five episodes when they are unlocked; currently the first episode is available and very much worth it.

Those who purchased Kentucky Route Zero via the Humble Store can find a Steam key hanging out in their Humble download pages. The game is also on sale via the Humble Store through March 1, also for 10 percent off.

Kentucky Route Zero is nominated for four awards in the 2013 IGF, including a nod for the Seumas McNally grand prize. The game itself is an intense, oddly creepy interactive narrative, with a foundation in something Cardboard Computer calls "magical realist adventure." Plus, it's really pretty.

JoystiqKentucky Route Zero finds a road to Steam, on sale through March 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardboard-computerkentucky-route-zeroLinuxmacpcSTEAMSun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST